Mike and Farnoosh explore the intertwined themes of love and money in Montclair, from the dating scene to the school budget. This episode dives into how residents are navigating modern relationships in all their forms: gay, straight, open, and swinging. The hosts examine how political views, community culture, and midlife realities shape connection and commitment in town.
They also continue their coverage of Montclair’s ongoing school budget crisis, unpacking what’s at stake in the upcoming “Yes-Yes” vs. “No-No” vote and how it could reshape the district’s financial future.
This week’s Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food features La Couronne, an Italian restaurant in Watchung Plaza.
And in Ask Our Agent, we learn why some homes have a much harder time selling than others.
Featuring insights from:
- Junie Moon, relationship expert and Montclair’s own love coach
- Elizabeth and Jason, single parents share their experiences dating in Montclair
- Grace L. Williams, journalist and Montclair Pod special assignment reporter
- Mishiko Passikoff, therapist on tension in relationships over politics
- Reubena Spence, co-founder of Out Montclair, on the LGBTQ+ dating scene
- Rich Reynics and Corey Pierson, organizers behind SaveMontclairSchools.com, advocating for a “Yes/Yes” vote on the school budget
03:00 – Meet relationship expert Junie Moon
06:00 – Moon on bravery, dating apps, and finding conscious partnership
09:30 – Open relationships, swinging, and living-alone-together trends in Montclair
15:00 – Out Montclair’s Reubena Spence on LGBTQ+ dating, visibility, and inclusion
20:00 – Single parents Elizabeth & Jason on midlife dating in a small town
27:00 – Farnoosh & Mike Eat Food: Dinner at La Couronne (sponsored)
32:00 – Political differences in relationships with reporter Grace Williams
41:00 – Ask Our Agent: Compass Realtor Karin Diana on why some homes sit on the market (sponsored)
45:00 – Save Montclair Schools: Rich Reynics & Corey Pierson explain the “YES YES” vote
59:00 – Voices of the “NO” voters: social-media comments and community divide
1:01:00 – Board of Ed update: Brian Fleischer withdraws; teacher union & town news
Episode Credits:
Hosted by Farnoosh Torabi and Mike Schreiber
Edited by Bob Raynor
Sponsored by Twocents, Glen Ridge Taekwondo, Luna Stage, and Karin Diana, Compass Montclair
In case you missed it…
- Rewriting the Rules of Local News: Inside The Local Girl’s Growth Story
- From Dealing in Waikiki to the Montclair PTA: Nikki Mammano’s Breaking Good
- Watchung Booksellers Awarded Top Indie Bookstore Across America
- Supper with the Super: Ruth Turner on the Budget, the Audit & Why She Feels Burden — Not Power
- The Oldest Restaurants in Montclair (& Why They’re Still Great!)